Best Solar Window Shades And Blinds

The term “solar shades” or “solar blinds”
can be confusing to those who are familiar with
photovoltaic solar
systems. These blinds don’t produce any electrical power as do
photovoltaic solar cells. They do block out solar heat energy while
allowing solar rays to light up a room. This article will bring to light
what the best solar window shades
and blinds are. Although solar window blinds don’t convert heat energy into electrical
energy, they do save energy by keeping the heat out of the room.

What Is The Difference In A Solar Window Shade And A Solar Window Blind?

When comparing window shades and window
blinds, keep in mind that a window blind normally has slats, which are
also known as louvers. These slats rotate back and forth to control the
light that is in the room as well as the privacy. With a blind, it can
be completely lowered while still allowing some light to come through.

Shades are generally woven in one piece
of material, which raises and lowers. Shades don’t have movable slats
like blinds. Typically, shades offer more insulation from the outside
temperature. A blind is used more often when one wants to maximize their
control of light. In recent years, the top down/bottom up shade has
become very popular. These shades or blinds allow more light in without
giving up privacy.

Solar shades for windows are also known as solar
screens. These solar screens provide three specific benefits to the
homeowner. As mentioned above, they block solar heat from entering a
room. They also reduce any glare from direct sunlight and block any
harmful UV rays, while preserving the view. This helps your furniture,
carpet as well as other décor from fading. Those unhealthy UV rays are
blocked, protecting your skin from prolonged UV sun exposure while in
your home. But, they don’t block the outside view from those who would
like to see what is going on outdoors.

Most of the major brands manufacturer
these window coverings. Among those who do provide these solar window
shades are Bali, Graber, Comfortex, Levolor, and many others. Many of
these shades and blinds can be custom made for your exact needs.

Options For Solar Window Shades

Since one of the primary purposes of
solar window shades and blinds is to block sunlight, they are designed
with different screen openness factors. These screen openness factors
are from 3% to 14%, where the smaller the number is the less open the
screen is. If you want maximum privacy, you need to choose a low factor
number. The more you want the room to appear open, the higher the factor
number you will want to go with. Keep in mind that the more you can see
out, the more others can also see in. So pick these solar window blinds
and shades with that in mind. To achieve a maximum privacy, make sure
you go with an openness factor of 3% to 5%.

The modern solar window shade comes in a
variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Some of these patterns that
are weaves even resemble various natural materials. Not only can you get
a specific color, but if you like, you can even get stripped materials.

Additional options that are offered with
these solar shades for windows include cordless shades and motorized
solar shades. From a safety factor, if you have small children in your
home, you may want to have one of these options. Dangling cords can be
very dangerous for either kids or pets. What is nice about a cordless
blind is the cleaner look it offers. The motorized shades provide you
with the greatest of convenience. If you have windows that are harder to
reach that is especially true.

Due to the mesh material that many of
these solar window shades are made from, the outdoors’ heat is held out
of the room. These blinds not only absorb much of this heat, but also
reflect solar heat before it gets a chance to enter through the window.
This can also cut down on your energy bill since the solar window blinds
are more energy efficient. Not only will they hold the heat out during
the hot summer months, but hold the wanted heat in, and keep the cold
air out during the winter months.

Prefabricated Or Custom Solar Window Shades?

Not all windows are created equal. What I
mean is, not every prefabricated blind will fit your windows perfectly.
Although custom solar window shades are typically a little more in
price, they are designed especially for your windows. Often times, the
custom window shades will come in a much wider range of styles, colors
as well as options. One great advantage of custom solar window coverings
is the ability to more readily complement some of your home furnishings.

Solar shades may be preferred over solar
window blinds primarily due to the fabrics that help reduce glare while
maintaining an outside view. These shades often will provide a stylish
way to maintain a comfortable atmosphere while meeting the latest
trends. You will need to decide what is most important for your own
unique needs when choosing the
solar window shades and blinds that are best for your windows.